The pursuit of pleasure is surely at least part of the root of all the the evil on earth. The many addictions, the ignoring the suffering of others, the struggle for money, are all at least tinged by the search for pleasure. For this reason some historic Christians have seen “pleasure” as the very core of selfishness, having no value or role in a life devoted to Christ. Jesus said, in the parable of the seeds that represented the word of God, “The seed that fell among the thorns stands for those who hear. . . but they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures and they do not mature.” (Luke 8:14)

There is, however, a thread of references to “pleasure” in the Bible, that connect it with a holy God. Beginning with Genesis, there is a vision of a pleasure that is experienced by God Himself in creation: God saw all that He had made, and it was very good..” (Genesis 1:31) David in several places expresses his pleasure in his relationship to God: You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11) In this psalm David sees pleasure as an integral part of God’s Kingdom, and of our relationship to Him. This is only the beginning of finding holy pleasure on earth, a pleasure that the psalmist asserts lasts eternally: His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in His unfailing love. (Psalm 147:10)

The earth is full of pleasures that God welcomes us to share with Him, though Jesus warned that worldly pleasures can distract us from the lasting pleasures of God. The power of God’s pleasure is displayed in all creation, but the temptation to love the creation instead of the Creator is the subject of warning from St. Paul as well as Jesus: People ( in the last days) will be lovers of themselves. . . treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having the form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. (2 Timothy 3:2&5)

Christianity has been accused of “taking all the pleasure out of life”, while God has displayed a transcendent level of pleasure in His word and in His son. To his disciples Jesus gave this assurance: Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. (Luke 12:32)

In his Spiritual Diary, Pope St. John Paul II wrote: “God finds pleasure in those who find pleasure in Him.” Jesus said, Seek and you shall find (God’s pleasure).

Love in Him,

Prue